Members of Stony Brook University’s student Advocacy Corps recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) workshop, representing the university in the national program focused on science policy and advocacy.
The undergraduate students were selected and sponsored by the university’s Office of Federal Relations to attend the four-day workshop, held April 12–15. The program provides STEM students with an introduction to how science intersects with public policy, including sessions on Congress, the federal budget and appropriations process, science communication and careers in policy.
The experience culminated in a series of congressional meetings on Capitol Hill, where students met with staff from New York congressional offices, including Representative Nick LaLota, as well as an SBU alumnus currently working on the Hill. During these meetings, students shared their perspectives on federal research funding, student access to education and the importance of sustained investment in science and innovation.
For the students, the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers underscored how federal research funding shapes their academic experiences. They emphasized that advocacy for research extends beyond funding levels, highlighting the critical role that these investments play in providing undergraduate students with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for future careers.
The AAAS CASE program builds on the foundation established through the Advocacy Corps, a semester-long initiative created by the Office of Federal Relations to provide students with out-of-the-classroom opportunities to learn about advocacy and engage in real-world policy discussions. Students described the experience as a valuable extension of their academic work, offering a unique opportunity to better understand how policy decisions are made and how their voices can contribute to those conversations.
By combining academic interests with real-world engagement, the program equips students with the skills and confidence to navigate complex policy conversations and effectively communicate their perspectives to decision-makers. “Programs like Advocacy Corps and AAAS CASE provide immense value to our students by giving them direct exposure to the policymaking process and the confidence to engage in meaningful advocacy,” said Kristen Adams, director of federal relations. “At the same time, these students bring thoughtful, informed perspectives to the table and serve as incredibly effective advocates for issues like federal research funding, student access and innovation.”
The Office of Federal Relations continues to expand opportunities for students to participate in advocacy and policy engagement, ensuring that Stony Brook voices are represented in conversations shaping the future of higher education and scientific research.
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